Kristen Johnston’s burst onto the TV scene in the late 1990s was unforgettable. As Sally Solomon, the hilariously tough, out-of-this-world lieutenant on NBC’s “3rd Rock from the Sun,” she snagged two Emmys and became a household name. Born in Washington D.C. in 1967, Johnston quickly carved out a niche as one of the most memorable comedic actresses of her generation – though there’s much more to her story than the characters she’s played.
For fans who grew up with “3rd Rock,” Johnston’s razor-sharp timing and physical comedy are legendary. After the show wrapped in 2001, she kept audiences laughing – and sometimes surprising them – with roles in films such as “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” and “Music and Lyrics.” She never gave up her love for the stage either, popping up in theater productions that showcased her dramatic chops. More recently, she’s found new fans as the acerbic Tammy Diffendorf on “Mom” and as the dysfunctional Gwen Mishler in “The Righteous Gemstones.”
But off-screen, Johnston’s life has unfolded in a quieter, more complicated way. While many celebrities are happy to make headlines with their relationships, Johnston has always guarded her privacy. She cracked that door open a little in her 2012 memoir, “Guts,” where she pulled back the curtain on her struggles with addiction and candidly shared her path to recovery. The book didn’t shy away from tough moments, but her signature wit and honesty made her story both moving and relatable.
When it comes to her love life, Johnston has managed what plenty of stars only wish they could do – keeping most of it out of the spotlight. “Dating in Hollywood is like being under a microscope,” she mused to Entertainment Weekly back in 2007. “I’m a private person, I always have been.” That hasn’t stopped a few real relationships – and a handful of rumors – from making their way into the gossip columns, though.
In the late 1990s, Johnston was spotted a few times with actor David Newsom, whom she met through work. Their relationship reportedly lasted a couple of years before quietly fizzling out. Headlines also linked her to Ryan Reynolds around 1999, before he achieved superhero fame; they were seen attending some industry events together, but both seemed eager to dodge questions and move on.
Now in her fifties and still delighting audiences, Johnston’s priorities seem crystal clear. She’s talked in interviews about her love of teaching – she’s spent time mentoring students at NYU – and her passion for causes like addiction recovery. “At this point in my life, I’m looking for substance,” she reflected during a 2015 theater festival. “That goes for my work, my friendships, and, if I’m being honest, anything romantic too. I’d rather focus on what really matters to me.”
That philosophy extends to her views on marriage and family. Johnston has never married, telling a reporter with her trademark dry humor, “Honestly, I think I’m married to my dog, and he’s a great partner. Less drama, less mess.” She adds, “I’ve never felt pressured to fit someone else’s mold of what happiness looks like.”
Past Relationships
Ryan Reynolds
David Newsom
For longtime fans and new admirers alike, it’s Johnston’s authenticity that stands out most. Whether she’s stealing scenes on screen, speaking candidly about her struggles, or quietly supporting her favorite causes, she’s always followed her own path – and that, perhaps, is her most memorable role yet.